A vitamin is necessary for the normal functioning of the body. It is very important that a person does not experience retinol deficiency, otherwise it can disrupt the functioning of the body’s systems and lead to serious consequences. At the same time, an excess of it is harmful, so it is necessary to actively replenish the content of retinol only after consulting a doctor and as prescribed by the latter.
Healthy appearance thanks to vitamin A
Contents
Functions of vitamin and its role in the body
And vitamin performs many functions in the human body. Thus, doctors indicate the following functions of vitamin A:
Useful properties and functions of vitamin A
Antioxidant and antihypoxant. This implies that retinol performs a protective function of the body, protecting it from the negative influence of adverse factors, both external and internal.
Normalization of exchange processes. If there are any violations, retinol helps to eliminate them.
Rising immunity. Retinol strengthens the body, making it less susceptible to viruses and bacteria.
Formation of the bone system. Strong bones and healthy teeth are due not only to calcium, but also to retinol.
The improvement of vision. Retinol is often called a vitamin for the eyes, because it increases visual acuity, prevents the development of”chicken blindness”. It moisturizes the eyes, protects the cornea from drying out and injuries.
Dermatoprotectornoe action. Retinol changes the structure and texture of hair, promotes their growth and Shine, strengthens nails, solves many dermatological problems, such as acne, comedones, pimples, as well as wrinkles, sagging skin, bad turgor.
The adaptive-trophic effects. Retinol strengthens the nervous system, improves sleep, makes a person more stress-resistant, and nourishes tissues.
Restorative effect. Retinol improves tissue regeneration, so it is actively used in the treatment of burns.
Rejuvenating action. Retinol helps to rejuvenate the body, prevents premature aging.
Vitamins a have a positive effect on all body systems. Their useful properties are difficult to overestimate.
The need for retinol
Participation of vitamin A in the antioxidant protection of the body an adult’s body requires approximately 3,300 IU of vitamin a on average. In some cases, the body’s need for it increases, up to 10,000 IU per day. It is especially necessary in the following cases:
- Hypo-or avitaminosis, i.e. retinol deficiency;
- hot climate;
- stay active in the sun;
- roentgen radiation.
In such cases, it is necessary to increase the dosage of retinol by correcting the diet and taking pharmacy drugs. But you should start vitamin therapy only on the recommendation of a doctor.
What is retinol for?
In addition to the main functions, this substance has an additional effect on the state of vital organs. Here’s what vitamin A is for:
Application and use of retinol in cosmetics
Improving the functioning of the lungs and gastrointestinal tract. This is due to the effect of retinol on the mucous membranes and epithelial cells. It improves lung function, promotes healing of ulcers, and cures colitis.
Influence on intrauterine development. Therefore, it is necessary to use vitamin A, it ensures the normal development of the embryo, its nutrition, and prevents pregnancy pathologies.
Influence on the work of the thyroid and sexual glands. We are talking about the fact that vitamin A is responsible for the synthesis of progesterone and other steroid hormones, improves the process of spermatogenesis and the functioning of the thyroid gland.
Prevention of cancer. Thanks to its antioxidant action, the substance prevents the development of tumors and their relapses. Vitamin A is necessary: its benefits have been proven in the treatment of cancer patients.
Protection from free radicals. Retinol protects the brain from free radical damage by neutralizing the most dangerous of them.
Strengthening the cardiovascular system. Use vitamin is necessary to prevent the development of angina, atherosclerosis, heart attacks, etc.
Retinol has a wide range of effects on the body.
Signs of vitamin a deficiency
To accurately determine the lack of vitamin, it is necessary to conduct appropriate blood tests. But some signs suggest a lack of it in the body:
Signs of vitamin a deficiency
On the skin side. There are premature skin aging and the appearance of wrinkles, reduced turgor, peeling, acne, dermatitis , seborrhea. Even skin cancer can develop.
On the hair side. Hair becomes brittle, dry, the scalp lacks moisture, dandruff and itching appear.
From the teeth. The enamel of the tooth becomes extremely sensitive.
From the side of organs of vision. Eyes are watery, mucus or crusts accumulate in their corners, there are uncomfortable sensations such as dryness, pain, a feeling of sand in the eyes, visual acuity decreases at dusk, the cornea becomes cloudy.
From the genitals and genitourinary system. In men, erections worsen, ejaculation accelerates, urinary incontinence appears, and libido decreases.
From the reproductive system. Women have cervical erosion, mastopathy, malignant breast tumors, polyps, etc.
From the gastrointestinal tract. Atrophic gastritis, colitis, diarrhea, cyst-like formations in the liver, and a malignant pancreatic tumor may develop.
From the respiratory system. Exposure to infectious and viral diseases (pneumonia, sinusitis, colds, bronchitis, respiratory diseases). The development of lung cancer is also possible.
From the blood side. Often hypovitaminosis is accompanied by anemia.
From the nervous system. Sleep disorders, nervous exhaustion.
If a child suffers from hypovitaminosis, it affects the process of development and growth: children lag behind in mental and physical development, usually smaller and lower than their healthy peers.
Causes of hypovitaminosis A
Doctors point out the following factors that can lead to a lack of retinol:
- poor diet, especially in winter and early spring;
- lack of protein food, without which the absorption of retinol is reduced;
- deficiency of fat in which vitamin A is dissolved;
- chronic diseases, in particular, of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, pancreas and biliary tract;
tocopherol deficiency, which prevents retinol from oxidizing; - rigid diet.
If tests have shown a lack of vitamin a, the doctor may prescribe retinol pharmacy medications. So, doctors point out such diseases that are indications for prescribing drugs:
- dermatological diseases, such as seborrhea, allergic skin reactions;
- diseases of the mucous membranes (candidiasis, conjunctivitis, keratitis);
- injuries as a result of trauma (broken bones, wounds), burns (skin lesions);
- chronic diseases, in particular, pneumonia, liver and biliary tract dysfunction;
- anemia of the iron-deficient type.
Self-prescribe treatment, set the dosage and duration of the course of vitamin therapy is categorically unacceptable.
The treatment regimen is prescribed only by a doctor, taking into account the patient’s age, the root cause of hypovitaminosis and other factors.
Reception of pharmacy vitamin complexes
Pharmacies offer medications in the form of capsules, tablets, ampoules with an oil solution. The most popular are the following:
Fish oil is a source of vitamin A
Fish oil. The most famous natural source of retinol. It is available in the form of capsules, so the person does not feel discomfort when taking them. Contains the maximum amount of vitamin and omega-3. Indications-prevention of thrombosis, vascular atherosclerosis, heart disorders, rehabilitation therapy after a heart attack, as additional therapy for cancer (in particular, breast and colon).
Retinol acetate. This is an oil solution of vitamin. It can be used internally, externally, and as skin care, hair, and nail care.
Retinol palmitate. Also is the oil solution, which compensates the deficiency of vitamin A. Designed for ingestion.
Aevitum. This is a complex drug that contains vitamins A and E. It has an antioxidant and immunostimulating effect. It has a complex effect on the visual organs, reproductive system, blood circulation and other processes.
Aekol. Contains vitamins A, E, K and carotene. Indications — violations of the liver, regenerative therapy after burns and injuries.
Three-V plus. The combined preparation, which contains vitamins A, E, C, is enriched with beta-carotene, zinc, copper and selenium. Indications-maintenance therapy in the elderly and after treatment of malignant tumors (radiation and chemotherapy), prevention of complications of stress, chronic fatigue, strengthening of the immune system.
How to take vitamin A is written in the instructions for each drug. Usually you need to strictly follow the dosage indicated in the instructions. The doctor may prescribe a dosage depending on the patient’s condition.
Headache with excess vitamin A
violation of the doctor’s prescription regarding the duration of treatment and dosage of the drug;
individual intolerance;
pregnancy (some medications should not be taken during this period).
The main reason is an overdose. It can be either a one-off (for example, if you eat a large amount of bear or shark liver), or a consequence of the accumulation of retinol.
So, with an excess of vitamin A, symptoms such as:
- drowsiness;
- fervescence;
- irritability;
- dizziness;
- headache;
- delirium;
- convulsion;
- intolerance to certain foods;
- feeling sick, vomiting;
- diarrhea;
- painful sensations in the joints, bones, and muscles.
- Vegetables. Pumpkin, carrot, bell pepper, broccoli, green onion.
- Fruits and berries. Apricots, apples, peaches, grapes, melon, watermelon, cherries, sea buckthorn and rosehip.
- Greens. Parsley, nettle, sorrel and spinach are very useful.
- Herbs and spices. Borage, burdock, fennel, mullein, mint, lemongrass, hops can be added to salads, first and second courses of meat and vegetables. And from sage and raspberry leaves, you can brew teas and infusions.
- Cereals. Oatmeal is especially useful.
- Leguminous crop. Beans, chickpeas, peas, soy.
- Meat products. Beef liver is the most useful.
- Dairy produce. It is advisable to use homemade fresh milk, sour cream, cottage cheese. Useful cheeses of all varieties, butter, cream, egg yolks.
- Seafood. In particular, it is necessary to include in the diet of the fish.
You need to remember that vitamin A is fat-soluble, that is, the diet should have a sufficient amount of vegetable and animal fats, such as vegetable oils, sour cream, cream, meat. Fresh vegetables should be consumed at the same time with fat, for example, pour sour cream on raw carrots or add a little olive, soy, hemp or any other vegetable oil. This will ensure that the body fully assimilates retinol from the vegetable.